Marking is head groundskeeper for the Quad Cities River Bandits (Davenport, Iowa), Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. With his “Banks of the Mississippi River” field design at Modern Woodmen Park, he has won a complimentary pass to the 2018 STMA Annual Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Andrew Anderson, the club’s assistant groundskeeper, also helped craft the pattern.

In its second year, a record 21 entries were received via social media, solidifying it as STMA’s most popular contest to date. The winning submission narrowly won by less than 30 “likes”; selected through Facebook’s voting platform. Marking’s intricate design generated nearly 200 “likes.”

"This contest serves as an opportunity for sports turf managers to honor their country while showcasing their skill as world-class field artists," says Kim Heck, CEO of STMA. "Andrew is an excellent ambassador for the industry, both on and off the field.”

A native of Floyds Knobs, Ind., Marking has more than five years of experience in the turf industry. His previous experience includes stints with the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Texas Rangers, Louisville Bats and Purdue Athletics. He received his bachelor’s degree in turf science and management from Purdue University.

“Patriotic Beaver,” “9/11 Remembrance Night,” “Old Glory” and “Merry Merica Day” were among the 2017 designs submitted by turf professionals from major sports leagues, NCAA, and parks and recreation sectors.

Tom Cook, 67, took over the Oregon State program in 1977 when he was just 27 years old. During the next 31 years, until he retired in 2008, more than 300 students went through the program that Cook ran mostly as a one-man show.